Back It Up

 

 

 

 

Are you overwhelmed yet? Are you even paying attention to the world around you? Do you have a backup plan, a food and cash reserve? What are you doing to prepare your home for an emergency? 

 

Living a homestead/farm life for a lot of years now, I've learned a lot of tricks and preparation strategies. It really isn't an option to not plan when you live so rural. Expecting the unexpected is pretty much the only plan you can count on. You have a plan for every letter of the alphabet...sometimes multiple plans. Making sure you have security in knowing that you could have a few days to a few weeks of not leaving your farm, is a reality. So, today, I want to touch on a few things and hopefully, it will give a start for your planning and remove a little overwhelm. I know there are many that just race through their days, but I need to encourage you to slow down enough to pay attention. Slow down enough to have some sort of back up plan and talk to your family about that plan. All the events over the past 2-3 years, has taught me that having a back up plan has never been more important. 

 

Hopefully, you have already started, but if not - start now! Start today with 5 cans of food to put in your pantry, a handful of backup over-the-counter meds or first aid supplies, a couple cases of water, etc. To build up a reliable supply, you need to do this every time you go to a store. Instead of a night binge watching NetFlix, take one night a week to learn some sort of useful skill - gardening, container gardening, livestock care, soil care, how to purify water, how to make foods from scratch, how to cook over an open fire(it is truly different for anything else). These types of skills will help even in a minor emergency. Know what you have in your pantry, freezer, garage, property, etc. Theft happens a lot more when times are tough, and no one is immune to this, no matter where you live. Even if you have never done or had interest in it, take a class on firearms. Learn how to defend yourself - whether through your 2A rights or through a self defense class. I will share with you all what I tell my kids almost daily, KNOWLEDGE IS POWER. So, let me share a list of items that I suggest in all conversations:

First aid: band-aids, triple antibiotic ointments,  gauze and tape, ace bandages, cotton balls, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, hydrocortisone creme. 

Over-the-counters: Tylonal, Iburoprofin, allergy medications, cold/flu/sinus medications, tooth brushes, tooth paste, Orajel, dental floss.

Paper products: paper towels, paper plates, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, disposable utensils, foil pans.

Foods: While I always recommend growing your own and preserving first, having backups is necessary. This includes - canned soups, canned stews, tuna fish, ravioli type canned goods, vegetables, fruits, dried beans, rice. I plan for foods that could be eaten as a meal alone, such as a can of ravioli could feed one person for one day if need be. That is the bare minimum a person needs to survive. Water - before I go too far on this, understand the amount of water used daily. We wash dishes, laundry, our bodies, but we also cook, brush our teeth, and flush toilets. If the power went out, unless you have a hand pump well, your water will not work either. My rough figures show it takes a minimum of 3-5 gallons of water per day per person. Items such as flour, sugar, yeast, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices will help extend your cooking options.

Outdoor cooking: understand the pans you use on a stove will not withstand the heat of a wood fire. Obviously, having cast iron cookware is the best, but not everyone has that. Having marshmallow sticks, those pie cookers made for bonfires, having heavy duty foil pans, and metal utensils. Keep in mind if you have a gas or charcoal grill...those won't work without propane, or charcoal/lighter fluid/ matches or some form of lighting device. 

Not so obvious items: clothing needed for the season - while we have had a mild winter, having warm socks, good boots, insulated bibs, a heavy coat, gloves, layering clothing will help during cold. Garden seed, containers or land ready to utilize for those seeds, gardening tools, wood cutting tools, plenty of matches/lighters, candles, pet supplies, and for those with young kids....have plenty of drawing paper, crayons, pencils, markers, board games, etc. to help them not be too overwhelmed too. 

In my planning, I look at what we would need if the power were to go out for an extended period of time. I don't think people realize how much we are dependent on electricity and water. We believe that nothing will ever happen to us, and if the power does go out...it won't be out long. God willing, that will always be the way it works...but what if it doesn't? What happens if you are left with no power and no water for 3-5 days? 

When you start breaking everything down, think about what would be effected by an outage of just 3-5 days. Grocers could not be open, and their cold foods would be trash. There would be no working ATM's, no working card machines to purchase foods/gas/necessities. Most businesses today would not be able to function without electricity. Think about how many would go crazy when they couldn't be on the internet. When people get desperate, times get really scary! We only have to think back to a couple of Summers ago, to see what can happen in desperate times. 

I don't buy into the doomsday, or second coming, or whatever...I do, however, but into the very real possibility of a cyber attack on our power grid, the outbreak of war, or an EMP attack by another country to start a war. I also know what kind of havoc the weather itself can create. Just think about hurricane season or tornado season, or any number of winter storms that have shuttered entire states for days. Having a plan, talking it out with your family, having back up plans, and being prepared is the responsible thing to do. It's taking charge of your life so you will not be a victim. 

It can be overwhelming and from the many I have spoken directly to, having the space to be prepared or having the money to do so, is a problem. I get that, but it is not an excuse to not do it either. All we need to do is look to East Palastine, Ohio this month to see how quickly your life can change. Being forced from their homes, getting no federal aid, having to pay for hotel rooms, not able to drink their water; what would you do? Would you be able to withstand the additional costs out of your own pocket? Would you have a plan to go to a family/friend's home? 

Sadly, I have seen the need to have multiple plans increase tremendously over the past decade. It has increased ten fold in the past 3 years. Never, in my mind, has having back up plans been more important. If you are not sure where to start, what to do, or just have questions; get with someone you trust to get started or expand your planning. 

I hope this will help someone!

Salli

Life - a deeper conversation

 

                                            "There's a storm brewing in my heart and mind."

I spend a lot of time in thought, and thinking before I speak. Many times, I will stew about things or spend more time researching information to be certain, before opening my mouth. I take time to attempt to understand different points of view, even if I disagree with them. I give too many second chances, and benefit of the doubts. I don't always succeed in being neutral or diplomatic. I am stubborn and strong willed. 

Many times over the years, I have wondered if the good I have tried to do, would ever circle back. Although, it seems that every improvement/betterment I've tried to make, has come back to bite me. That is not to say I haven't had many blessings. While I have plenty of areas that I wish were better, I feel I deserve better; there are things that I know how fortunate I am to have. Sometimes, the negativity overrules me, and it is not my own...rarely I am actually negative. It's the negativity around me, that plays a great deal into my own functions. I wonder how many others have experienced this? Whether it be children, spouse, extended family, friends, or employment. The people we surround ourselves with, eventually will determine our own outlooks. I've heard this from some incredibly successful people, but really never put the pieces together. 

I think the past 4-5 years, as I grew increasingly discouraged by the direction of our national debt, the extremism of government involvement in other country's conflicts, the politicians constantly getting richer while the average working American was seeing more hardships...I began talking more about being prepared, and paying off debts, and living within your means. These are all things I have attempted to do for a long time. While some people I have conversations with are fortunate to have their family support, spouse support, or a community to interact with...I don't have that support, per se. My family tolerates my preparations and doesn't "tell me no," as I've heard some people discuss, but they don't hear what I tell them either. Many people do not grasp the concept that just because you have a little bit extra money, you don't need to spend it. The idea of having an emergency stash -be it food, cash, supplies, whatever; is "stupid." The idea of saving, keeping and fixing something old instead of buying newer, or making due with what you already have - is foreign. I have not understood the need to keep up with anyone, have the latest/greatest gadgets, or spend stupidly. There are things I find more importance in. 

I have really focused on my family for quite a few years. I had the need to make sure my children never questioned their importance to me, their priority in my life, or my love for them. From the beginning, I have raised my children with the thought, "be the parent I needed when I was growing up." I never wanted my children to question their value in my life, my love for them, or my dedication to them. So, on this path, I have spent most of my children's lives as a stay-at-home Mom. Now that my children are older, I often wonder "what now?" I know many women reach the same stage in their lives. Whether it be considered empty nest or mid-life crisis...I believe it is something more than that. Many women spend a good portion of their lives juggling a family and career. Once you reach a certain age, your life goals begin to shift and your outlook does too. 

Throughout our lives, especially when we have spouses or partners, you find that your relationships also ebb & flow. You may spend some time feeling it is the two of you against the world, the next instance it's you against your partner or a partner can make things difficult to get through. I've seen a lot of relationships end when the life shifts begin to happen. Sadly, many couples end up growing separately instead of growing together. No one really is at fault, but the directions change and they are no long able to find a commonality to allow for growth together. Some are able to struggle through it, while many are not. Whether that be because they don't want or aren't able to; I don't know that answer. What I can say, from just being observant, is that getting into a comfort zone or rut in relationships can upend the apple cart without the effort of those involved, being willing to communicate. When there is no communication, no efforts made to find commonalities, or even for intimacy; this can fall into that rut that is difficult to climb out of. For me, it's difficult to not try to communicate. However, I'm certain that I am not the only who has experienced the whole, technology being put as a priority. Television, social media, and the likes have taken over our society. I know when I can sit for more than 3 hours a day, not talking to anyone because everyone is watching the noise box or on their phones...it's a little depressing. Having conversations with yourself gets pretty old. 

Being in that stage of wondering what now, I can't help but question a lot. Maybe some of you are there too, maybe not. For me, I am wondering when did life lose it's flare? When did I stop making time for the things I enjoy? How can I love my life and lifestyle while questioning my happiness? When did my own spark leave? Sadly, having any deep conversation isn't normal around my home anymore. So, today, these are thoughts weighing on my mind.

Coffee Chat

 

                                    "Man plans, and God laughs."

I've heard this so much lately. Which is ironic. I spent the month of January, trying to plan this year's projects, trying to plan for reorganizing and restructuring several areas of my life, and finding the means to do so. Then February came in like a beast, with possible shake ups that were not in my line of site, let alone even a thought for this year. So, again...I was planning, and God had other plans.

I really dislike disorganization and dealing with "surprises" that could be prevented with a little preparation. I have a few projects inside my home that truly need to be addressed. I want to get them done this year, but it's not going to happen as originally planned. Some of the things I planned to do, either the items have gone too high in price or the items I had on hand won't work. So, those projects are delayed while I figure out how to manage that. I have several outdoor projects that have to be addressed this year; one way or another. Some things are just maintenance, but things like my chicken coop falling apart..are necessary. Dealing with the mess that is my chicken and duck runs...that is not only a necessity but also a health issue. After 2 years of struggling to get any strength back into my back, I do not want to hurt myself anymore. Knowing that I have to make every inch of my gardens count, means really planning every inch I can possible spare. Watching how few bees I had last year, concerned me. Even though I had a few more flowers than previous years, I need to put more out, and keep drawing them for the pollination of my gardens and orchard. The wind through our farm has been an issue since we've lived here. I have planted several trees, but I know that several more are needed to help shield not only our home, but also our animals. Having the extreme hard water that we have, means the build in lines and appliances shortens their life spans even worse than the lack of quality workmanship. So, to fix that correctly...means a major overhaul in a 40 year old house. When you have done what you can, with minimal budgets, you find out quickly that you get what you pay for. Making things work because the price was right, ends up costing you more in long haul. 

As we are over a month into 2023, and the everyday news is pretty grim, it gives concern how everything will come to pass the remaining months of the year. 5 weeks into the year, and the number of people losing their jobs is horrible. The cost of goods and services are still increasing. The supply chain is still sketchy, at best. Local taxes are increasing. Employers are making the wrong choices in "you either have cheap labor or quality, loyal employees." Family units are being knocked out rapidly by strains on income/expenses, living outside their means and greed. Too many have lost the ability to differentiate between needs and wants - in turn leading to more debt. True conversations of talking WITH people, as opposed to talking AT people, have been left by the wayside. It's a mess. 

I have said for years, to make sure you continue to prepare. I get a lot of grief about this. While most of my married life, I have had to do a lot of learning; living in rural America is a different beast in and of itself. When we have lived 25 minutes to 2 hours from any town of size, that you could shop...you learned to plan and plan well. Sure if you live in a city, you have 24/7 access to about everything. In my neck of the woods, that is not the case, unless I want to drive 2 hours in any direction. Around here, the towns roll up at about noon on Saturdays, and are closed on Sundays. In 20-25 miles, I can get to towns that have about everything I could need...but that is not always a possibility if the weather is bad. So, you learn to keep a stock pile in the event of emergency or bad weather. That means forward planning. For example, I'm planning my gardens now, that will be planted in April, harvested in August/September, preserved, and utilized October through May of next year. We just took in a steer to be butchered, that will provide our beef for the next 12 months. Many of chickens are getting old enough they are not laying regularly anymore, so getting chicks this spring, that won't start laying for 7-8 months, means by Fall...I will start getting a few more eggs. Researching my chicken feed to see how my girls produce, where the nutrition lacks, and what supplements are required to keep production is all part of that planning process. The planning for raising a few feeder pigs, so we can put them in the freezer for the next year has been in the works for more than 2 years. While having animals is truly awesome, they have requirements that you have to plan for also. There is keeping track of how much hay you will utilize for each type of animal. For example, each full size cow, takes 1-2 bales per month through the winter to maintain their optimum health. Additionally, if you keep your cattle tame enough to keep them coming to you - to allow for vet checks, keeping up with any health issues they may have; you need to feed them grain, that works out to about 30 pounds per month, per cow. Then there is making sure they have constant access to water. Keeping fences in good shape helps keep them in their respective area and helps you avoid not only having cattle get out but also any issues of having someone hit them while they are out. Sheep are a little easier to contain, but they also need hay, grain, mineral, and constant checking. Chickens/ducks/goats, are the same. They need their feed, grain, scratch grains, hay, and water. Then you have to plan for bedding through the winter months. That means being able to get to a wheat farmer, that will be selling straw. None of this accounts for shelter for any of these animals. Shelter from the elements, for any animal - in my opinion, is necessary. I know there are a lot of farmers that have cattle and horses out in field year round without a barn of some sort. If that works for them, great. It doesn't for me. I will say it again, these animals provide for us, so we must provide for them. Neglecting animals is not something I will ever agree with! Every single animal, whether that be a dog, cat or rabbit or a farm animal - cows, sheep, chickens, pigs, etc. require time, effort and patience. If you don't have those...don't get animals! We are with our animals several times a day. When you pay attention to them, you can catch any issues usually pretty early. 

With preparations, you need to remember the little things we all take for granted. This could be toilet paper, paper towels, allergy medicine, dish soap, sponges, cooking oil, or a million other things. When asked, I tell people to take a day, and write down everything they have used/eaten/needed. That will give you a starting point as to what you need to have stocked in your stock pile. Seriously, I just realized last night, that Wal-Mart had been out of my allergy meds the past 3 trips I made there. Well, last night as I went to take my medicine, I realized the bottle was empty. I wasn't worried, as I went to my backups. Well, needless to say, I am clear out - as in there is none. So, to say even those of us who live the life of constant preps...we still miss things. I once heard someone talking about how to prepare, and they said it took a can of soup, 4 bottles of water, and a gallon of water...to survive one day, per person, in a worst case scenario. Could you ration that way? With the world in chaos as it is, I am personally seeing a more pressing need for constantly being prepared with as much as possible, for as long as possible. 

I know I have asked in different groups I'm in, but I will ask here too. Are you seeing the issue with employers bringing in unqualified help at experienced help wages or more? Here's what I am seeing and hearing. The employers are putting out help wanted ads. They are offering competitive pay, sign on bonuses, and benefits, and guaranteeing full time hours. The employees that have experience, have already been in their positions, are getting screwed. Not to mention the new employees are taking jobs, claiming to be full time, only to have their hours cut to part time, shortly after being hired. Not to mention the fact that skilled and experienced tradesmen are now making wages within $1-$2 per hour of the new hires. It seems to me that it's ass backwards. Why would you not reward your experienced workers, keep them happy and employed? The rough statistics I can find currently, show that 85% of new hire employees are trained and leave that new job in less than 6 months. When you have burger flippers making $16-$20 per hour, agricultural technicians with 30 years experience making less than $25, and middle management making $30 per hour...there is a gap in intelligence within business owners right now. 

During my business classes, obviously a lot of years ago now, we were taught: "you train your employees so that can leave, but treat them well enough that they don't want to." That is obviously not how businesses work anymore. The CEO's and Owners only care about their bottom line, how many "Yes" men they can get to just follow orders, and how they can line their pockets. I have always believed in small local business, and for the most part I still do, but some of these businesses have now taken on that corporate mentality. It's truly sad. I can remember, when I was in high school, the big talk was about loyalty. You took a job, many at the time were auto manufactures, and you retired from that company. You got an honest good pay, put in a hard days work, and retired when you were 65 with a good pension. That loyalty is no longer there, I believe this is due to the big wigs getting greedy. This is happening even more so now. You can't be loyal to a company when they take great pride in padding their pockets, while telling their employees to be happy living in poverty, while they expand their ivory towers. 

Sometimes, I wonder if we entered the twilght zone, at some point. Did some parallel universe collide? When did the ship upend? Everything has become so upside down. What was so morally and ethically wrong, is now celebrated. While those trying to live that old fashioned values, is desecrated.  It doesn't matter anymore if you try to live within your means, because a single bump in the road is going to throw you into debt faster than you can blink an eye. When people are purchasing vehicle for $100K, and homes for $400K; there is a massive issue! Yes, I am fully onboard with not spending stupidly. However, just in my area alone, you can buy an acre of ground for under $8K, and the value of it is less than $4K acre...this has become ridiculous. We have local farmers, upside in their land purchases by MILLIONS of dollars. They are never going to pay that off. The banks keep loaning them money, because they see cash flow, but also because a single farm loss of that magnitude would shut down a small bank. They can't afford NOT to keep loaning. Then you have the whole bank issue. When you go to purchase a home or land, at last check, you were required to put 25% down. I don't know about all of you, but I don't know anyone personally that has $100K just laying around. Sure, there are programs for first time farmers or first time home owners...but there is a big gap in the middle. For example, We looked at a property with 93 acres. The rough appraisal was $3200 per acre. That was fair enough, still too high, but fair. The appraised value was around $298K. With our bank, the down payment was 20% or about $60K. Seriously, who has 60,000 just tucked away?! Anyway, that would have cost roughly $15K per year to pay back over 30 years. Well, obviously, we did not buy that land. That land sold for nearly $8K per acre, and the new owners went in bull dozed all the trees, ripped out all the pasture and hay and it is now being row cropped. So, it's now a useless piece of dirt, that was destroyed because of stupidity and greed! We could have used more land, but I refuse to be stupid. We have properties that have sold for upwards of $10K per acre, taken from trees/pasture/hay/homestead, to dirt and flipped from some outfitter to a farmer or city dweller that will never utilize the land properly. They won't put any pride into building something for a family for generations to come. They will farm it, put tons of chemicals into it, deplete the soil and when it no longer serves a purpose it will be left behind as useless. Not to mention the damage that is done to surrounding properties by the chemicals, trash they neglect to dispose of, the wildlife that gets tangled in the net wrap left laying everywhere, or the coyote that venture to these livestock producers that throw their dead ones just over a hill and the proximity to neighboring livestock producers causes them to have issues with the coyote. Sadly, it's become all about money and greed. 

As I venture outside, I continue to pray that God helps to right all the wrong in this world. It will take his hand, to fix the tragedy we currently live in. It will be by God's grace that every person has a true opportunity for betterment. I pray that each of you are blessed with health, safety and that you allow God to guide your path. Sometimes we must stand, even if it's alone and with a shaky voice, for what is right and just. 

Be safe, my friends. 

Talking it out

 

 

 

 

Today is one of those days that my mind is reeling. While I could see if it was centered on the crap going on in our country and the world, that's not it. Honestly, today it's about me. So, I'm going to talk through this(actually write) the best I know how. 

 

I am someone that either connects or doesn't. There isn't much in between. Seriously, I like you or I don't. I get a "vibe" almost immediately from people and animals. There are plenty of both that I am indifferent to...I will talk to people or show kindness towards animals, but I don't get "attached." I learned very early in life, to not to. People come and go, as do animals. It would be very easy for me to guard my heart, against both, by becoming colder. I don't want to do that. Truthfully, when I have done this, it has been out of necessity and it still hurts me...I just have to learn to deal with it. Sometimes, you get to a point that the hurt is no longer tolerable so you have to accept what is.  It would be very easy, in a lot of scenarios, to be whiny, and throw a pity party. I am not that way. I would rather find solutions. 

This morning, at 1:17 am I was awoke, by what I'm not sure. I woke up looked at the clock and felt an emotional drain. At 3:40 am, again I was woke up from a dream that wasn't pleasant to feeling not only emotional drain but also something really deep, that I just can't put my finger on at the moment. At 4:15 when my husband's alarm went off, I woke up just enough to feel only what I can describe as "be patient." At around 6, I got up...tired, obviously, but with a resolve of needing to find my path. I know, for most, these are just occurrences...I believe in signs, and being guided from our Creator, in any means your mind is open to. For me, it is usually my dreams and gut instincts. Yesterday, I had some pretty harsh feelings. Some pretty upsetting revelations, that really gut punched me. I can't help but wonder if those harsh feelings need to be spoken(unfiltered) or allowed to just let go.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm a talker. I need to talk through the thoughts that whip through my head. When you live in a world of technology, text messages and other online messages...having real conversations fly out the window at break neck speeds. Everyone wants to text, or have abbreviated conversations because everyone is busy. I get that, I do the same damn thing...then I get frustrated because I haven't given the quality of presence that I should. I hold myself to very high standards, and that includes being present in conversations, attempting to understand some that make no sense, and my big downfall...I expect the same in return. Truly, having expectations of others is a no-no. I know this. I have learned over time that no matter how much you try to talk or explain some things, other people can only understand from the perspective they, themselves, are at. I can talk all day long about farm life, the livestock needs and gardening...but someone with no understanding or desire to understand, will ever understand. That is just one of those things that happens. 

I always attempt to lead by example. I may mess up, make mistakes, or even fail but I could never expect anyone to do something I wouldn't be willing to do myself. That's not to say I am not capable of being hypocritical, although I try not to be...sometimes, I am. It's a human fault. The one thing I always try to do, is learn from my mistakes. Learn better techniques, gain more knowledge, and do better next time. This can be a struggle when you work with other people, other animals, or even (in my case) take on an overwhelming amount of challenges at once. Sadly, I am notorious for biting off more than I can chew...I don't like to let people OR animals down. When I took on raising ducks, I had a massive learning curve. They are NOT like chickens. They require a lot more effort. They aren't as hardy as chickens. Going way back, learning about chickens...that was a whole lot of trial by fire. It didn't help that we had 2 VERY aggressive roosters that would attack anyone that went into the coop. Fortunately, I learned that lesson the hard way. Having dogs and cats, I don't care if you have 10 animals of the same breed...every single animal has its own personality, it's own character traits, and they are all a bit hard headed. Cows, sheep, goats... they are all the same...every animal has its own character. Think about it, people aren't any different either, even if they are from the same family. 

While I have put myself into a more visual role with my videos and these blogs, they are WAY out of my comfort zone, I have done so trying to help others. Whether it's learning about the farm life, the home school life, the world chaos, stocking pantries, or just sharing my own journey's in an attempt to try to help someone know they aren't alone in their trials...this I feel is my calling. At the same time, sometimes I wonder how many actually read or watch the things I put effort into putting out there. I don't need to be famous, really don't want to be, but I want to help others. I want to share my crazy but blessed life, adventures that bring me happiness, information that I find too important not to share, and open up a line of communication to like minded people that are also doing what they can to better themselves in whatever means they can. I'm not an eloquent speaker, sometimes my thoughts come out more jumbled than I prefer, and sometimes I just lose my temper altogether. 

When I find myself in these instances of something irritating my instinct, I need to talk it out. While I'm not getting answers for anything, I may just be given a path to the answers, by talking. So, for today, this is some of my jumbled thoughts. Maybe this will help, and maybe not. Until next time....

Coffee Conversation

 

There is so much to talk about, anymore. Every single day, we are inundated with more crap. Our supply chain, our food, our energy, our taxes, our fuel, the stock market, the inflation, the business closures, the lay offs, the employment numbers, and what we as citizens truly are experiencing on Main Street. It's remarkable to me, how those sitting in ivory towers, can hold any weight in their opinions when they wouldn't understand what real people experience. Sadly, many of our experiences are a direct result of their ignorance. 

While my own experiences in my part of rural America will be different that others, these are what I can share.  The "experts" are now claiming that the $15 hourly wage, can no longer sustain and that must be boosted to $20. You don't say. I know people, in other areas that are making 3 times that, and are still struggling. In the past 2 years, food alone has increased 20-60%. Fuel has increased as much as 50%. Home heating costs have increased 20%+. Interest rates have increased by as much as 50%. The middle class is being taxed to death; local, state and federal. As I said, from my own experience, 25% taxes coming from income(federal, state, medicare, & SSI); is killing American family budgets. 

Going back to my own area and life style. The cost of livestock/animal feed has increased dramatically as well. With the increased cost of feed, throw in the lack of nutrients and false/deceptive advertising of some feed, just adds insult to injury. The cost of fencing supplies, building supplies, ag/vehicle repair parts and availability, unreliable employees, and employers expecting loyalty while completely disrespecting their quality employees...you have a massive disaster on your hands. How many have heard, "we can't get help," or on the employer side, "we're offering sign on bonus and competitive wages," yet the reliable/hard working employees they already have, some with years of experience are making the same as those that started a week ago. I may have been out of the business world for a while, but common sense does not change. You take care of those that take care of you; and eliminate those that cost your business more than they bring in. A good employee doesn't leave a job, a good employee leaves jobs they are not appreciated at. Typically, there is poor management or ownership at those places. I may be on our farm every day, but I still talk to people all over the country. The job market is upside down, everywhere! Employers are bringing in warm bodies to fill positions, those warm bodies are making what experienced employees are making, and doing half the work. This leaves the experienced employees frustrated and frankly, pissed. What good is their experience if some Joe-blow off the street can come in making the same hourly rate? It's a mess. 

Being on a small farm, we have had to try to absorb some pretty substantial price increases. My own experience here, the feed I have fed my chickens for 12 years, started at around $10 for a 50 pound bag. 2 years ago, it was $12.73 a bag. 2 weeks ago, it was $20.81 a bag. The quality of the feed has decreased, and required extra supplements to keep my flock healthy. In total, for 2 dozen hens, it went from costing about $100 per month, to over $300 now. That is just the increase for the chickens. That does not include the increased cost of sheep/goat feed or cattle feed. All of which has doubled or tripled. The Spring, Summer and Fall months, is easier to supplement with products from my garden or the pasturing, but Winter is always a challenge. I know there are people that do not do as much for their animals and they get along ok...I believe in treating my animals as good as I treat my family. There is no sense having animals if you aren't going to take care of them. I'm a softy for animals. 

Going back to the grocery side of things. Just this morning, it is being said that eggs alone have seen a 60% increase in price, year over year. That is a 60% increase in price from the same time last year. I've seen this first hand at several stores. I even had a lady willing to drive nearly 2 hours just to buy some eggs. That's insane! Ground hamburger has increased, like everything else. Chicken, if you can find it, has increased. The entire food shopping experience is more costly and walking into a grocery store can give you a bit of a shock when you see an enormous amount of empty store shelves. The price increases alone can give you sticker shock. A can of coffee, that was $5.99 a year ago, is now $10.92. So, I don't care if you're making $10 an hour or $30....you are paying more. However, for many, this should mean tightening your belts, spending less, cutting unnecessary expenses, and making every thing count. What I am seeing/hearing, is that people aren't doing this. Instead they continue to live outside their means, putting food and fuel on credit cards, continuing to eat out, and waste money. Again, to me, common sense solutions do not change. I have trouble understanding why so many are still making poor decisions with their finances, and bitching they have no money. To me, this goes back to the definition of insanity...doing the same things over and over, and expecting different results. I just don't get it.

I am not trying to pick on anyone. I deal with some of these same processes in my own home. No matter how much I try to change some things, it comes back to "this is the way it's always done." I have tightened our finances. I have busted my butt to stock up and have emergency backups. I cut out any unnecessary expenses at every turn. I am juggling my books to get debts paid off instead of continuing to add to them. A few unexpected expenses have popped up as so much of what we have is older. Having to make repairs or replace items today, is so much higher than even 5 years ago. We have been fortunate to find a local business that has had what we've needed at a fair price. Other things, especially farm related items...we've not been as lucky. We get spoiled with convenience, just like everyone else. It's easier to eat out, buy a new item rather than fix the old, buy pre-made items rather than take more time to make them from scratch. As I said in a video several days back, just going to get a loaf of bread and not being able to get it when we wanted it...was a bit of a panic for me. It wasn't because I don't know how to make bread, it was because I had to figure out the extra time to not only make the bread, bake it, and do the extra dishes. I love to bake and cook. It's fun for me. But I have gotten into the same rat race everyone else has....being busy, just being busy; and not getting everything done. You get into busy mode, and end up so overwhelmed that you don't even know where to start. 

I'm in that position currently. I have so much that I want to get done, things I need to get done, things I have to, and just looking at the list is overwhelming. I know many that are in the same boat. I've gotten the "just pick something on the list and do it...that will be your starting point." Ok. That makes sense but when you have to constantly interrupt that thing, to do things you HAVE to do...you don't get anything done! Here's a perfect example: Yesterday, I had to make a trip for several things. I traveled an hour each direction, made all the stops in 3 separate towns, got home in time to feed our bottle lambs. I got that done, came inside and finished a load of laundry. I was tired and crabby to start with since I'm not sleeping well, again. I got all my inside animals fed and had to dig through freezers to get the meat out of supper. I picked up a handful of things, carried dirty glasses from the table to the kitchen, picked up dirty socks and folded blankets. Got the meat for supper put in the oven, and it was time to do my outside chores. No where in here could I have taught my daughter any actual teaching lessons(thankfully, a lot of her studies in the afternoons are self directed). I went out to feed my outside animals and had to not only clean up a few nests, give the ducks more straw, clean out the goats hay feeder and refill it, but realized my feed bucket was empty. By this time, it was 5, my husband was home. He refilled my goat feed, carried my trial bag of feed for my chickens to the coop, and watered my animals. I finished getting the eggs, and checking the health of all my critters, and headed inside. I came in, washed my hands and started cutting up the cabbage for supper. I did the dishes from the day and the night before. Got the cabbage frying. The guys finished up the outside chores and came in for a very brief conversation. The table got set, and we ate at like 8. Then the kids disappeared to their rooms, husband went to veg out with the noise box and Facebook, and sat in silence again. I finally sat in my recliner for about 30 minutes and went to bed about 9:30. This was just a single day. I don't have to leave the farm most days, but the schedules don't change much. My mornings, I leave free to actually verbally teach lessons, have my coffee, take 10 minutes on Facebook and checking messages before I'm up and running again. All of this said, is why I have fallen into the conveniences of pre-made food. This is all on me. I've let poor behavior slide in my home. I've let the excuses of "I work a full-time job," fly. Just because I don't get paid, I work multiple full-time jobs to make my family able to be lazy. Yep, I said it. I've allowed it. I don't sit at home, eating bon-bons, watching television everyday. I make their lives easier. I do all the dishes. I do the laundry, I make sure we always have food and meal plans. I make sure bills are paid. I make sure my kids are educated. I make sure that sheep are checked several times a day, and the bottle babies are fed. I make sure my family has what they need. I remind everyone of birthdays, anniversaries, and important dates. I listen to all their conversations, even if I don't always understand them. Then I escape into about 30 minutes of a good book, before crashing. I pray for them everyday, just as I do our extended families and beloved friends. 

This leads me to something I, myself need to set....boundaries! You see, many times we try to do everything we can to help others. Sometimes, at the expense of ourselves. We don't want to tell people no, or will give many chances for others to see "the error" of their ways. Guys, we cause our own grief by our own expectations. We need boundaries so we are not taken for granted or manipulated(even if unintentional). In my own experience, you take on too much trying to be everything for everyone, and you are the one to end up in exhaustion. While exhaustion is a physical feeling, it is also an emotional feeling. Emotional exhaustion is not helped with sleep or rest. When you are constantly taking in other's requests/demands, conversations, and even work...you will burn out. The more you take on your own shoulders, the more the emotional exhaustion and eventual resentment will set in. I can not tell you how many moms and wives I've talked to that have the exact statement: "I do everything for the kids and my husband, and they do nothing to help." While I do believe the state of society has a play into a lot things, I also believe that a lot of people have neglected to set and stick to boundaries. When you help someone, and they continue to demand more help. You do something for someone, and they just keep repeating the same behaviors and asking for more...this is no longer helping. This is becoming a repeat behavior that you are no longer helping but enabling their poor behaviors/decisions. You will end up in a recurring cycle that will hurt you. You have to set boundaries. You need to be able to say No more, and stick to it. That doesn't have to be mean or cruel, and it does not have to end relationships. It can simply be saying I wish you the best, but I'm no longer going to enable your poor decisions.

I am taking the rest of this week to set my own boundaries, make a working schedule, and making sure to take out the time I need to find balance everyday. My life is quite busy, but juggling 50 things a day by myself has worn me clear out. One of my goals for this year was to find time me...to be able to do some of the things I enjoy and want to do. Things I have not made the time for, for several years. This is why I don't set resolutions, you make them, you break them...and then forget them. Setting a goal means even if you fail to make it on your first attempt...you keep trying until you succeed.